#COP31: Can a coat of paint help South Africans sleep better as the planet heats up?
Could a coat of white paint help South Africans living in scorching shacks sleep better? Researchers are testing whether reflective roof paint can cool homes and improve people's health as climate change makes our nights hotter. UCT epidemiologist Lara Dugas explains why heat is bad for sleep — and how a simple solution could make a big difference. The post #COP31: Can a coat of paint help South…
As the COP31 climate conference opens in Türkiye, researchers in South Africa are testing a simple solution to combat rising temperatures: painting shack roofs white. Early findings suggest that reflective roof paint can lower indoor temperatures by 3-5°C during peak daytime heat. The project, underway in Cape Town's Khayelitsha and Limpopo's Mphego, could improve sleep and health for South Africa's 1.4 million informal dwellings.
Scientists are painting 120 roofs as part of a study involving 240 households, with results expected by the end of 2027. The researchers hope this inexpensive coating can protect vulnerable communities from dangerous heat and improve sleep quality, which is crucial for overall health.
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